An LGBTQ+ roundup of the 2026 World Cup

Soccer may not be back, but the 2026 FIFA World Cup was a glorious event for LGBTQ+ fans.

This year, for the first time, the event was co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The 2026 World Cup will conclude after 104 matches played by 48 teams in 16 cities. Meanwhile, it was a mixed bag for LGBTQ+ soccer fans.

All the LGBTQ+ news from this year’s World Cup is here…

pride match

The infamous Pride match between Iran and Egypt certainly raised eyebrows when it was announced. Neither country has a positive track record on LGBTQ+ rights.

Same-sex acts are punishable by death Iran. In 2021, according to a United Nations report, the Islamic Republic Iran subjected ~ to electric shock torture LGBTQ+ Children and other human rights violations.

Homosexuality is not technically illegal egypt. However, queer people face high levels of discrimination and can be convicted of “debauchery,” “obscenity,” and “scandalous conduct.”

The Seattle World Cup organizing committee has designated Friday’s Group G match as the first-ever Pride match. Despite both countries protesting the match, the Seattle organizing committee stuck to its course.

Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj said both countries scheduled to take part had raised “objections”. According to Straits TimesTaj called “pride matches” “an irrational act to support a particular group.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in January that “there will be no ‘Pride Match’ at the World Cup,” although he acknowledged that local and external organizers had promoted it as such.

In pregame interviews, coaches from both teams denied questions related to Pride.

Iran coach Amir Galenoei said he did not come here to talk about “what is prohibited in our league”, adding that “all our thoughts are focused on football, the beautiful game, our people and our success”, stressing that the team will only talk about football.

Egypt’s head coach Hossam Hassan echoed that stance, saying: “We are all focused on football and only thinking about football. Of course, FIFA is taking care of the organizational aspects.”

In another unexpected move, FIFA allowed rainbow flags to be hoisted and waved inside stadiums.

In a statement (according to) guardian), FIFA said that “general human rights statements, including rainbow flags and other flags representing sexual orientation or gender identity, are permitted under the 2026 FIFA World Cup Stadium Code of Conduct and may be displayed inside stadiums.”

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LGBTQ+ fan boycott

Before the World Cup officially began, it was clear that LGBTQ+ soccer fans had questions about the safety of participating in the tournament.

England national football team’s LGBTQ+ fan group Three Lions Pride has announced that they will not be attending the match. The group’s rationale was that they could not advise members on how to be safe as openly LGBTQ+ fans.

The warning was accompanied by a travel warning for LGBTQ+ fans to attend the 2026 World Cup, citing safety concerns.

Queer Football Fan Club (QFF), Football Supporters Europe and the Sport & Rights Alliance supported Three Lions Pride. QFF spokesperson Sven Kisner also said the organization has “grave concerns about the safety of all travelers attending the 2026 World Cup, not just LGBTQ people traveling to the United States.”

“The situation for minorities in the United States continues to worsen under the current administration, and we have no other conclusion than to advise our members not to travel,” Kisner added.

Fale, an anti-discrimination network, described the situation as “sad and unfortunate”: “The LGBTQ supporter group of the world’s most prominent national team feels the situation is so severe that they are unable to travel, and have declared a boycott.”

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Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham’s bromance

Tensions were high on the pitch during the World Cup, but one duo delighted us with a healthy bromance. Fans are hooked and the pairing is certified Chapel Lawn soundtrack compilation and Edits that have reached over 1 million views.

Norway’s Erling Haaland and England’s Jude Bellingham met in the quarter-finals. England may have beaten the Norwegian team 2-1 in extra time, but the real takeaway was the tender friendship between Haaland and Bellingham.

They have forged a long-standing friendship after playing together for two years as teammates at Borussia Dortmund in 2020.

It was clear that they had developed a close friendship during this time, as they were seen giggling together on the show. Valentine’s Day pick-up line video.

The World Cup put a spotlight on their friendship, with fans compiling their friendship and tournaments over the years.

Their friendship is a salve against the toxic masculinity so often associated with soccer culture.

There was no shortage of content in Bellingham vs. Haaland, from teasing each other on the pitch to jumping into each other’s arms. They are one of the top highlights of the World Cup.